Barnett, a veteran of Pancrase, Pride, and Strikeforce, believes that the current rule structure of MMA has been exploited and needs to be revamped.

According to Barnett, fighters have learned to manipulate the existing rules to their advantage. He argues that the five-minute rounds have led to a shift in fighting strategies, with many bouts resembling kickboxing matches rather than true mixed martial arts contests. Barnett pointed out that fighters are now predominantly relying on strikes and submissions like sleeper holds and rear-naked chokes, often failing to establish control on the ground due to the limited time frame. He emphasizes that the current rules do not allow for sufficient time to showcase the full range of techniques and skills.

As a renowned grappler, Barnett believes that the recent trend towards kickboxing in MMA is moving the sport away from its roots. He cited UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira as examples of fighters who primarily rely on their kickboxing skills rather than embracing the broader spectrum of MMA techniques. Barnett noted that their success demonstrates their competence as athletes but suggests that a shift back towards a more well-rounded approach would create a different dynamic in the sport.

To address these issues, Barnett proposes several rule changes. He advocates for longer rounds, stating that more time would emphasize takedowns and control, discouraging standing up opponents too frequently. He also suggests allowing knees to the head of a grounded opponent, as it would benefit both strikers and grapplers. Barnett further supports adopting Pride-style total fight scoring, where the overall performance is taken into account rather than round-by-round scoring.

In addition to rule changes, Barnett strongly believes that weight-cutting should be eliminated altogether. He argues for same-day weigh-ins, as the current practice of extreme weight-cutting poses significant health risks. By removing weight-cutting, Barnett insists that injuries would reduce, and fighters would have better long-term health outcomes.

These proposed changes, inspired by his experiences in promotions like Pride, may improve the sport's integrity and allow for a more diverse range of fighting techniques. However, the likelihood of implementing such changes on a major scale in MMA is uncertain.

Josh Barnett's ideas offer a fresh perspective on the necessary improvements in MMA, but it remains to be seen whether they will gain traction within the sport. Nonetheless, his commitment to promoting a healthier and more well-rounded approach to the game is commendable.